Qwa platform: An exceptional case prevents the dismissal of a worker after the expiration of their license
Introduction to the organization of the Saudi labor market
As part of the comprehensive digital transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development continues its diligent efforts to regulate and enhance the efficiency of the labor market. The “Qiwa” platform serves as a unified digital interface designed to provide all labor system services automatically, thereby contributing to greater transparency and safeguarding the rights of all contractual parties. In this context, the “Qiwa” platform has revealed important details regarding the status of expatriate workers upon the expiration of their work permits.
An exceptional case for the employee to remain on the establishment's record
The platform clarified that there is a single exceptional case that allows a foreign worker to remain on the establishment's (employer's) record even after their work permit expires. This case occurs when the work permit expiry date differs from the residency permit expiry date, such that the worker's residency permit has 180 days (equivalent to 6 months) or more remaining despite the work permit expiring. If the establishment is unable to renew the work permit for any reason, the system will not remove the worker from the establishment's record after the specified deadline, thus providing legal flexibility in dealing with these specific cases.
Procedures required in case of short stay
On the other hand, the “Qiwa” platform indicated that in cases where the remaining validity period of the residence permit is less than 180 days, coinciding with the expiry of the work permit, the employer must quickly initiate the issuance or renewal of the work permit to avoid any subsequent regulatory procedures that may affect the scope of the establishment or lead to the suspension of services.
Deadline for correcting the situation and financial consequences (June 2026)
In a decisive regulatory step aimed at eliminating illegal employment and rectifying market conditions, the platform announced a final deadline of June 30, 2026. After this date, the registration of any resident employee working for an establishment with an invalid work permit, or without a work permit for more than three months, will be automatically canceled. More importantly, the system will hold the employer (establishment) fully responsible for all financial obligations and accumulated fees incurred for the entire period the employee remained without a valid work permit, placing a significant responsibility on employers to monitor their employees' files.
The general context and importance of the decision, both locally and internationally
These decisions come within a historical and regulatory context aimed at improving the work environment in Saudi Arabia. Locally, these measures contribute to eliminating commercial concealment, ensuring establishments' compliance with regulations, and protecting workers' rights from remaining in an illegal status. Regionally and internationally, these steps enhance the Kingdom's position as an attractive destination for global talent, as these regulations align with international labor standards in safeguarding workers' rights and providing a safe and stable work environment.
A call for employers to rectify the situation
In conclusion, the Ministry of Human Resources, through the Qiwa platform, urged all establishments to expedite the review of their employees' files and rectify their status before the specified deadlines. It emphasized that neglecting these updates will result in the automatic dismissal of employees and impose significant financial burdens on the establishment. Therefore, employers must transfer their employees' services or renew their work permits in a timely manner to ensure business continuity without legal obstacles.
